Single servie capsule having a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent identifier

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body. The invention also relates to a method for producing a drink.

The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material, which is provided in the cavity of a main body. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a drink.

Single serve capsules of this type are sufficiently well-known and are offered on the market in a large number of embodiments and are used to produce coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, milk or cocoa drinks or else other drinks or food such as soups. In order to be able to be produced in an automatic machine, these capsules must all have the same external shape, the respective production method differing. For example, the quantity of water and/or the temperature which is used to produce the respective drink can differ. Furthermore, the water of the single serve capsule can be led through the single serve capsule continuously or intermittently. In order to make it easier for the customer to produce the respective drink or food, it is desirable that the automatic machine, for example the coffee machine, should detect the respective single serve capsule and automatically select the program suitable for the production of the drink or food. The automatic machines which are used to produce the respective drink or food must be cleaned at regular intervals, for which purpose cleaning capsules are available, the external dimensions of which are identical to the dimensions of the single serve capsules and through which water likewise flows after they have been introduced into the automatic machine, said water dissolving the cleaning substance out of the capsules and cleaning the brewing chamber of automatic machine and the downstream lines by using the solution. Here, it is absolutely necessary to avoid a user, for example a child or a visually impaired adult, using the cleaning capsule to produce a drink and consuming the latter.

It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a single serve capsule which satisfies the above requirements.

The object is achieved by a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body, wherein the main body has a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

Single serve capsules of this type are generally inserted into the brewing chamber of an automatic machine and rinsed through with hot water there. The water is enriched with an aromatic substance, for example, which gives rise to a drink to be produced. In the automatic machine, residues of the respective drink/food raw material often build up but lime deposits also arise and water deposits in the form of steam and/or droplets are formed on the surfaces of the automatic machine. It was entirely surprising and unexpected to those skilled in the art that an identifier of a single serve capsule which is based on fluorescence and/or phosphorescence functions in such an environment.

The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for producing a drink or food which has a cavity in which there is provided a drink/food raw material, which is desorbed, extracted and/or dissolved in order to produce the drink. The drink/food raw material is, for example, coffee powder, tea leaves, milk powder, cocoa powder, an instant drink powder, a food supplement powder or a soup powder. Such a single serve capsule is produced, for example, from plastic, a natural substance and/or a biodegradable material and has a wall, for example a cylindrical, conical, four-cornered wall, with a first and a second end. A bottom is provided in the region of the first end and a cover is provided in the region of the second end. The wall, the cover and the bottom define the cavity in which the drink/food raw material is located. In addition, a filter and/or a liquid distribution system can also be provided in the cavity. The bottom and the wall are preferably provided in one piece and are produced, for example, by deep drawing a film or by injection molding. After the filling of the cavity, the cover is fixed, in particular sealed, preferably to the end of the wall which is opposite to the bottom. For this purpose, this end of the wall preferably has a flange with a sealing face. The cover can be made from a material that is the same as or different from the wall and/or the bottom. The main body can be liquid-tight and/or substantially gas-tight. However, it is also conceivable for at least some sections of the main body to be permeable to water.

To produce a drink, the single serve capsule is placed in an automatic machine and a liquid, in particular hot water, then flows through the same; in the process this water is enriched with the desired drink or food substance and after that is collected in a container. If appropriate, the single serve capsule is opened at one or more points, for example by the main body being perforated. This perforation is preferably carried out in the area of the cover and/or the bottom.

The invention provides for this single serve capsule to have an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule. Individualization in the sense of the invention preferably means that the respective single serve capsule can be assigned to a group which is suitable for the production of a drink or food. It is not necessary for the identifier to disclose which single serve capsule is specifically involved, i.e. to contain a serial number or batch number or the like, but merely to permit the classification of the respective single serve capsule to a group of single serve capsules, for example drink/food single serve capsules or cleaning capsules. Preferably, the identifier permits differentiation between the individual drinks and/or types of food, for example that it is a capsule with which tea, coffee, a milk drink or the like or a soup can be produced.

Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on the automatic machine, for example a coffee machine, detects this identifier and preferably compares the same with a stored identifier. The automatic machine, in particular its pressure pump providing the water, can then be started up preferably only if the identifier determined agrees with the reference identifier of a drink/food single serve capsule. Otherwise, the coffee machine is not to be started, since it is to be feared that this is a capsule in which there is a cleaning agent, for example. In this case, the automatic machine can be started up, for example, only if a specific pushbutton combination on the operating panel of the automatic machine has previously been pressed. This reliably avoids the situation in which a cleaning capsule is inadvertently used for drink production.

According to the invention, this identifier is, then, a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent sub stance.

A fluorescent substance in the sense consists of at least one molecule having at least one electron which is excited by electromagnetic radiation, is preferably released from its orbit and is raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content. As a rule, this excited state is not stable, so that the electron falls back into its original orbit again and its energy is at least partly liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This liberated electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer wavelength than the excitation radiation. In the case of an identifier which is based on a fluorescent substance, a sensor receives the liberated radiation and a linked control system compares the profile and/or the intensity of this radiation with a stored profile. If these are at least partly identical, the linked control system knows that this is a single serve capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the automatic machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control system detects the type of single serve capsule that is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the like, and controls the automatic machine appropriately. The liberated radiation preferably has at least one maximum, particularly preferably a plurality of maxima. The sensor or the linked control system then investigates whether at least one of these maxima is present in the received radiation.

A phosphorescent substance in the sense of the invention consists of at least one molecule having at least one electron which is excited by electromagnetic radiation, is preferably released from its orbit and is raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content. As a rule, this excited state is not stable, so that the electron falls back into its original orbit again and its energy is at least partly liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This liberated electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer wavelength than the excitation radiation. In the case of a phosphorescent substance, however, the radiation emission does not end with the end of the irradiation but decays over a longer time period than is the case in fluorescence. In the case of an identifier which is based on a phosphorescent substance, a sensor receives the liberated radiation and a linked control system compares this profile with a stored profile or profile section. The intensity of this radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, is preferably compared with a stored profile and/or a specific value. If these are at least partly identical, the linked control system knows that this is a single serve capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the automatic machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control system detects the type of single serve capsule that is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the like, and controls the automatic machine appropriately. The the sensor or the linked control system investigates the time interval after which the original intensity of the radiation has decayed by a specific percentage and compares the measured value with a stored value. Alternatively or additionally, the height of the intensity of the radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, is investigated after a specific time period, and this value is compared with a stored value. If the stored value coincides with the measured value, the control system releases the automatic machine or selects a specific preparation program for the respective drink or food.

The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is irradiated with a specific electromagnetic radiation and as and/or after the radiation has been switched off, the fluorescence and/or phosphorescence is measured. The irradiation can be carried out with one wavelength or multiple wavelengths. The radiation can comprise one or more sources which are used simultaneously or one after another.

There can be one or more sensors which analyze the radiation emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance.

Automatic machine in the sense of the present application is used as a synonym for any automatic machine used for the production of a drink or food. A coffee machine or tea-making machine may be mentioned merely by way of example.

The detection means which reads the identifier can be provided in the area of the insertion chute of the automatic machine for the single serve capsules. In another preferred embodiment, the detection means is provided in the area of the brewing chamber. Alternatively, the identifier prevents insertion of the single serve capsule into the coffee machine or the automatic feeding of the single serve capsule to the coffee machine. Alternatively or additionally, a means, in particular mechanical means, particularly preferably one or more gear wheels, is provided in particular in the insertion chute, preventing a wrong single serve capsule getting into the coffee machine, in particular the insertion chute.

Alternatively or additionally, the identifier can be used to cause the coffee machine to execute a specific program, i.e. for example to heat the water to a determined temperature, provide the same at a specific pressure and/or deliver a specific quantity of water through the single serve capsule.

Alternatively or additionally, the identifier serves to sort the materials from which the single serve capsule is produced during a subsequent disposal and/or recycling process.

The main body preferably has a wall which is adjoined at its first end by a bottom and at its second end by a cover, wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided in the area of the cover and/or in the area of the bottom. Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the bottom. This reduces the production and/or disposal costs.

The cover is preferably a film, which is connected to the wall. For this purpose, the wall preferably has a sealing or adhesive face, for example in the form of a flange, to which the cover film is connected.

The film from which the cover of the single serve capsule is made preferably has at least two film layers, which are in particular connected to each other. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is preferably provided between two of these film layers. As a result, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is, for example, protected against environmental influences.

The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is preferably applied to the main body, in particular the cover film, by a printing process. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is preferably printed onto one of the layers of the cover film. This layer of the cover film is preferably at least substantially transparent.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is at least partly surrounded by a filling layer. This filling layer prevents the cover film having irregularities, since the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is particularly preferably not applied to the entire area of the cover film or of a layer of the cover film.

Particularly preferably, the main body of the single serve capsule, in particular the cover, has a decorative print. Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is applied at the same time as the application of this decorative print. In particular, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is the first component which is printed onto the cover film or one of the film layers of the latter. It was surprising to those skilled in the art that the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is still detected adequately by the detection means. Although a decorative print is present. Furthermore, it was surprising to those skilled in the art that the quality of the decorative print is not influenced or is influenced only slightly by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance.

Particularly preferably, the decorative print at least partly covers the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance and/or the filling layer.

Particularly preferably, the decorative print is connected to a film layer. Particularly preferably, an adhesion promoter layer is provided between the decorative print and the film layer. Very particularly preferably, this film layer is white.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover film further has a barrier layer. Particularly preferably, this barrier layer is connected to the decorative layer.

The single serve capsule preferably has an axis of rotation or symmetry. Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided symmetrically, in particular rotationally symmetrically to this axis. For example, the identifier is provided as a circle or as one or more circular rings, the circle and the circular rings being in particular provided concentrically in relation to each other.

The identifier preferably has at least two areas that are spaced apart from each other and are preferably provided concentrically in relation to each other. Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is different in the two areas. The two areas can be detected by one or more sensors.

The layer thickness of the identifier is preferably 1-4 μm, preferably 2-3 μm.

The application of the identifier is preferably 0.5-2 g/m², preferably 0.8-1.6 g/m², particularly preferably 1.0-1.4 g/m² (dry).

The identifier can also be provided on the capsule body. Here, it can involve coating by varnishing or by plasma vapor deposition. Likewise, an application of an in-mold label with appropriate printing is conceivable, as is the application of a sleeve, in particular in a sub-area of the cylindrical or conical outer side of the capsule body which, for example, is connected to the capsule body in a form-fitting manner via a shrink tunnel. The coating can be carried out in sub-areas or on the entire surface of the capsule body.

Furthermore, an additive having the described properties can be added to the granules of the basic film for the capsule; in this way, the capsule is given these properties on the entire surface following the deep drawing. In this way, by means of a “reader” which detects the signals when the brewing chamber is opened or closed, possibly also and/or the signal could be detected and evaluated, in order thus to permit product-related recognition.

A further inventive or preferred subject of the present invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a piercing area which is provided to open the single serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through the same. According to the invention, provision is then made for the piercing area and the identifier to be provided such that they at least partly coincide.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the identifier is at least partly destroyed as the single serve capsule is pierced and consequently cannot be used improperly.

The piercing area is preferably located in the cover film or on the bottom of the single serve capsule. The single serve capsule is preferably opened by one or more piercing pins as a brewing chamber is closed, by the respective piercing pin penetrating the main body of the single serve capsule. Here, one or more of these piercing pins also pierces the identifier and destroys the latter, at least locally.

A further inventive or preferred subject of the present invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a piercing area which is provided to open the single serve capsule in order to have a liquid flow through the same. According to the invention, provision is then made for the piercing area and the identifier to be arranged locally separately from one another.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the identifier is not impaired when the single serve capsule is pierced.

The piercing area is preferably located in the cover film or on the bottom of the single serve capsule. Preferably, the single serve capsule is opened by one or more piercing pins as a brewing chamber is closed, by the respective piercing pin penetrating the main body of the single serve capsule. In this case, the identifier of the single serve capsule is maintained undamaged.

A still further inventive or preferred subject of the present invention is a single serve capsule which has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule has a cavity in which a drink/food raw material that has an expiration date is provided and the identifier is deactivated when the expiration date passes.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

Following expiry of the use-by date, the identifier consequently changes such that no further release of the automatic machine takes place. This prevents a user producing a spoiled drink or food.

A still further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a drink or food by using a single serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is provided and which has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule, the single serve capsule being pierced in order to produce the drink, characterized in that the identifier is at least partly pierced as the capsule is pierced.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

A still further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a drink or food by using a single serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is provided and which has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule, wherein the single serve capsule is pierced in order to produce the drink and the single serve capsule is pierced first and then the individualization is carried out.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that very reproducible conditions are present for the identifier. For example, a positive pressure that is present in the single serve capsule and as a result of which the cover film bulges can initially at least partly be dissipated before the identifier is read.

The identifier is preferably not damaged as the single serve capsule is pierced.

A still further subject of the present invention is the use of the single serve capsule to produce a hot drink.

The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

The invention will be explained below by using the FIGS. 1-9. These explanations do not restrict the general idea of the invention. The explanations apply equally to all the subjects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a single serve capsule.

FIGS. 2-4 show identifiers.

FIG. 5 shows the piercing area of the single serve capsule.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a main body having a plurality of film layers.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the fluorescence and phosphorescence of an identifier.

FIG. 10 shows a single serve capsule and a detector.

FIG. 1 shows a single serve capsule 1 which has a base element 2 with a wall 2.1. A bottom is provided at the first end 2.2 of the wall here, and a cover is provided at the second end 2.4 of the wall here. In the present case, the cover is fixed, here sealed, to an edge region 2.3 which adjoins the wall 2.1. The wall 2.1, the bottom 2.2 and the flange 2.3 are provided in one piece in the present case. The wall 2.1, the bottom 2.2 and the cover 2.4 define a cavity, in which a drink/food raw material and possibly an installation element can be provided. After it has been filled, said cavity is closed by the cover 2.4. The cover and/or the bottom can be designed to be liquid-tight or liquid-permeable. In the first case, the single serve capsule must be opened, for example pierced, before the production of the drink. The single serve capsule, for example a coffee capsule, is inserted into a brewing chamber in which a liquid, for example water, flows through the same. In the process, the drink raw material is extracted, desorbed and/or dissolved and, as a result, the desired drink, here coffee or espresso, is produced.

According to the invention, this single serve capsule then has an identifier, with which it can be established whether the respective single serve capsule is suitable for the production of a drink or food in an automatic machine and/or how the process parameters have to be set.

This identifier is a fluorescent and/or phosphorescence substance 6 which, in the present case, is provided on the cover 2.4 of the single serve capsule. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is irradiated by using an electromagnetic radiation source and in the process and/or thereafter the radiation emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is analyzed by a sensor, which will be explained by using FIGS. 8 and 9. The analyzed values are compared with reference values and, in accordance with this comparison, the automatic machine is either started up or not and/or specific process parameters are set.

In the present case, the single serve capsule is provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the line of symmetry 4.

As can be gathered from FIGS. 2-4, the identifier can be provided, for example, as a circular area and/or as a circular ring. The identifier is preferably in each case provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the line of symmetry 4. For the case in which two identifier areas 6 are provided, for example a circular area and a circular ring or two circular rings, these preferably have different fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substances and/or different concentrations, so that the electromagnetic radiation respectively emitted by these two areas differs. One or more areas can be analyzed for the identifier.

FIG. 5 shows the cover of a single serve capsule which has to be opened, for example pierced, before the production of the drink or food. For this purpose, at least one piercing area 7 is provided, in which the automatic machine pierces the single serve capsule. In the present case, the piercing area and the area in which the identifier is provided cover each other, so that the identifier is destroyed locally in the piercing area(s). Alternatively or additionally, the piercing area is specifically provided such that the identifier is not damaged during piercing.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a main body of the single serve capsule, here a cover film 5, which consists of a plurality of film layers, is provided. The designation 8 symbolizes the environment of the single serve capsule and the designation 3 symbolizes the capsule interior. In the present case, the identifier 6 is applied by a printing process to the film layer 9, which in the present case is preferably provided so as to be transparent. In the present case, two identifier areas 6 are applied, being provided at a distance from each other.

The single serve capsule preferably also has a decorative print. Preferably, the fluorescent and/or phosphorus substance and the decorative print are applied to the film layer 9 in a printing process, wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance 6 is applied first and then the decorative print 11.

The colors gold, silver and metallic colors should preferably be avoided as decorative printing inks. Furthermore, carbon inks are preferably to be avoided as a decorative print.

In the present case, the decorative print is covered by a further film layer 10, in particular a white film layer. A gas barrier can also be provided as an additional film layer. The film layers are preferably connected to each other via an adhesion promoter layer.

In the structure according to FIG. 7, reference can be made substantially to the explanations according to FIG. 6; in the present case a filling layer 12 is present between the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance 6 and/or around the latter on the outside, in order if necessary to compensate for irregularities which turn out to be too high.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the functioning of the identifier according to the invention. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance 6 is irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation 14 with a wavelength A_(o) and consequently excited, and emits the electromagnetic radiation 15 which, overall, has a different wavelength than the excitation radiation. For example, in the emitted electromagnetic radiation there are three peaks at the wavelengths λ₁-λ₃. In the case of the fluorescence, a sensor investigates, for example, whether there is a peak at the wavelengths λ₁-λ₃ and/or what intensity the emitted radiation has at the wavelengths λ₁-λ₃.

In the case of a phosphorescent substance, as soon as the radiation 14 is switched off, the emitted radiation 15 decays over a certain time period, which is illustrated in FIG. 9, in which the intensity I is plotted against time for three wavelengths λ₁-λ₃. A sensor investigates, for example, the time t after which the radiation intensity I at the wavelengths λ₁-λ₃ has decayed to x %.

The measured values are compared with stored values and, if these agree, the automatic machine is released to produce a drink or food or a specific production method is selected. If the measured values do not agree with the stored values, this is, for example, a cleaning capsule which has no identifier. The production of a drink consequently does not take place.

FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of the sensor and the radiation source 13 for the case in which the identifier is provided in or on the cover film. The distance between the sensor and the radiation source is preferably always constant and preferably as low as possible. The respective measurement is preferably carried out under at least reduced daylight.

-   1 List of designations -   2 Single serve capsule -   2.1 Main body -   2.1 Wall -   2.2 First end, bottom -   2.3 Edge region, flange -   2.4 Second end, cover -   3 Cavity -   4 Axis of rotation -   5 Film, cover film -   6 Identifier -   7 Piercing area -   8 Environment -   9 First film layer, outer layer -   10 Second film layer, inner layer -   11 Decorative print -   12 Filling layer -   13 Sensor, radiation source -   14 Excitation -   15 Emission -   I Intensity -   t Time -   λWavelength 

1. A single serve capsule (1) for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity (3) of a main body (2), characterized in that the main body (2) has a fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) which makes it possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule.
 2. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the main body (2) has a wall (2.1) which is adjoined at its first end (2.2) by a bottom and at its second end (2.3) by a cover, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is provided in the area of the cover and/or in the area of the bottom.
 3. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is provided only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the bottom.
 4. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cover (2.4) is a film (5), which is connected to the wall.
 5. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the film (5) has at least two film layers (9, 10).
 6. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is provided between two film layers (9, 10).
 7. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance is printed.
 8. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance is printed onto a film layer (9, 10).
 9. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance (6) is at least partly surrounded by a filling layer (12).
 10. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that it has a decorative print (11).
 11. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the decorative print (11) at least partly covers the fluorescent and phosphorescent substance and/or the filling layer (12).
 12. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the decorative print (11) is connected to a film layer (10).
 13. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that an adhesion promoter layer is provided between the decorative print (11) and the film layer (10).
 14. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it has an axis of rotation (4) and in that the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to this axis of rotation.
 15. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the identifier has two areas that are spaced apart from each other and are preferably provided concentrically in relation to each other.
 16. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the substance is different in the two areas.
 17. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the layer thickness of the identifier is 1-4 μm, preferably 2-3 μm.
 18. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the application of the identifier is 0.5-2 g/m², preferably 0.8-1.6 g/m², particularly preferably 1.0-1.4 g/m².
 19. (canceled)
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